My parents normally attend New Life Church, but they didn't make it today. I didn't know that until after hearing about the shooting. I called them with concern as soon as I heard. Many others probably had a similar experience.

It all seems so senseless. And it is. Two people dragged themselves out of their warm beds on a Sunday morning, braved cold weather and slick roads, worshipped with their church, and were randomly gunned down in the parking lot afterward.

If all the statistics say that violent crime is down, then why does society increasingly feel like it's more dangerous?

Consider this: There are studies that show (and my own experience certainly mirrors this) that each successive generation in America is given less space to roam as a child. My father roamed the city. I roamed my neighborhood. My daughter will be lucky to play in the yard by herself. Is it just paranoia? If so, then why do my fears seem justified by looking up the number of sexual predators who live in my neighborhood?

It's late. My thoughts are disjointed. Tomorrow the police will hold a press conference and perhaps we'll have more answers. Until then, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. I hope you get some rest tonight.